• Education ministers meet in Doha to strengthen cooperation on inclusive education
• Talks cover training for Mallams, upgrades to Tsangaya schools, and IsDB-built facilities
• Initiative aligns with Nigeria’s plan to reintegrate 10.2 million out-of-school children

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa (photo, left), met with his Qatari counterpart, Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater (photo, right), in Doha on Wednesday, November 26, as part of an official visit. The meeting aimed to strengthen international cooperation for inclusive education and support efforts to reintegrate children who are out of school.

The minister also held discussions with officials from the Qatar Fund for Development and the Education Above All foundation to lay the groundwork for a strategic partnership to expand access to modern, inclusive education. Nigeria plans to formalize this cooperation with the signing of a protocol agreement in early 2026.

During the talks, the two ministers reviewed Nigeria’s national plan for reforming Almajiri education and integrating out-of-school children. Discussions covered large-scale training for Mallams, who serve as traditional instructors, upgrades to infrastructure in Tsangaya schools — long-standing Islamic learning centers — and support for the 33 bilingual schools built by the IsDB in 11 states. The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reintegrating marginalized children into quality education by advancing literacy, numeracy, and vocational skills, while ensuring safer learning environments.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen human capital and reduce inequalities. According to the UNICEF report The Nigerian Child 2025, the country has 10.2 million out-of-school children. Northern states such as Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa account for 16% of these marginalized children, with malnutrition indicators remaining a concern.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou